English - Global Campaign for Education

SPAIN
An impressive 170,000 enthusiastic participants in more
than 715 schools JOINED UP and took part in Action
Week.
Holding hands the participants called for education for
the millions of children and adults who do not have the
chance to learn. The chains almost brought the inner
city of Madrid to a standstill as it crossed the streets
and attracted passers by who also joined in the chain
in support for the Right to Education. Campaigners
chanted “Unite for the Right to Education Now” in what
turned out to be very uplifting and motivating events.
Campaigners called on politicians to pay attention to
education and in response to a children’s chain outside
the Parliament Buildings, more than 100 politicians
affirmed their commitment to quality education in
Spain. The Secretary of State for Cooperation met
the students to discuss what they were doing and
later joined their chain in solidarity for the Right to
Education.
SWEDEN
Several organisations in the Swedish EFA-network,
sent a letter to the Swedish Minister for International
Cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson – on the importance of
realising the MDGs, especially for children without an
education, and those living in conflict-affected areas.
Several of the local branches of Lärarförbundet
organised activities during Global Action Week
throughout the country. These included a two day
open forum to discuss Global Action Week and World
Teachers’ Day. A poster exhibition also took place
giving information about the Education for All and the
Millennium Development Goals.
Europe
UK
Action Week took place in the middle of a busy year
campaigning for Education Rights. One highlight event
was a parliamentary seminar of MPs, and education
campaigners on ‘Making them keep their promises’,
that was hosted by MP Celia Barlow in the House of
Commons. Children from Ghana and Kenya gave
emotive speeches for why their friends should be
helped to get an education at home.
Later in the week, students from more than 25 schools
gathered in the centre of Birmingham to JOIN UP. The
popular children’s celebrity Dani Harmer made a special
guest appearance and after music performances,
everyone joined a long chain round Victoria Square.
JOIN UP - Education Rights Now!
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